University of the West

then University College. This was because of the pressing need for more (locally trained) doctors to treat conditions such as tuberculosis, yaws, tetanus, typhoid, infant malnutrition, and illnesses related to diarrhea. The establishment of medical schools in the colonies was replicated in the Gold Coast, Nigeria, Rhodesia, and Uganda. The inaugural entering class of 1948 consisted of 33 students from across the Caribbean, selected from 600–800 applicants. As the university college was then affiliated with the University of London, the medical curriculum reflected the University of London's curriculum with the addition of preventive and tropical medicine. Degrees were awarded under the University of London until 1962, reflecting London's role in administering the programme and providing the teaching staff. In addition to the standard five-year course, a pre-course science year was required for students without adequate preparation. The University Hospital of the West Indies, an acute tertiary hospital, provided …